Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center Heart Clinic in Houston provides the highest standard of excellence in Cardiovascular Care while exemplifying our ideals of customized patient care. Our goal is that of achieving superior patient satisfaction in every aspect of services given. We perceive our organization as a team of cardiology doctors in Houston working towards one common goal, that of our patients’ good health and well being. To that end, we pledge our services.

Our Cardiac Care Center in Houston offers health services in a warm, comforting, relaxing atmosphere. The practice is committed to high quality patient care in an ever-changing health care environment.

Dr. Annie Varughese Cardiology Doctor in Houston attended the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, Georgia and subsequently completed her residency in Internal Medicine as well as Fellowship in Cardiovascular Diseases at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston. Dr. Annie Varughese Houston Cardiologist pursued further training in Interventional Cardiology at The Texas Heart Institute/Baylor College of Medicine and now has been in private practice in the Northwest Houston and Woodlands area for the past 20 years.

The practice operates under the direction of Dr. Annie Varughese, Board-Certified one of Best Cardiologists in Houston and leading cardiology specialist providing treatment for heart attacks, angina, hypertension and all aspects of cardiology. We are well-trained staff of Heart Doctors in Houston offers a variety of comprehensive, state-of-the-art services to diagnose, treat and manage heart disease. Our Top Cardiologists in Houston improve the lives of thousands of patients every year using advanced surgical and non-surgical procedures.

Dr. Annie Varughese Heart Specialist in Houston is an avid speaker regarding issues in cardiology including that of Women & Heart Disease and holds the title of Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Texas Medical School in Houston.

Signs of Heart Disease :-

Most heart attacks are indirectly caused by coronary artery disease or Atherosclerosis, a condition in which fatty deposits (plaque) build up on the walls of an artery. This narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the muscle of the heart. A heart attack is usually triggered by a tear or rupture of the plaque, which leads to the formation of a blood clot that blocks the blood flow in the artery. Spasm of the artery can also contribute to the blockage. The symptoms of a heart attack may be far more subtle in women than in men. Chest pain or discomfort is typically the most common symptom in men and women, common symptoms include

Nausea and vomiting

Severe fatigue

Dizziness, fainting

Feelings of heartburn or indigestion in the upper abdomen

Pain that radiates into the arms (on the left side more than the right)

Pain high in the back, jaw, or neck

Heart palpitations

Profuse sweating

Shortness of breath

A fear of impending death

Nuclear Stress Test :-

Nuclear Stress Test used in medicine and cardiology to measure the heart’s ability to respond to external stress in a controlled clinical environment. The stress response is induced by exercise or drug stimulation. Nuclear stress tests compare the coronary circulation while the patient is at rest with the same patient’s circulation observed during maximum physical exertion, showing any abnormal blood flow to the heart’s muscle tissue. The results can be interpreted as a reflection on the general physical condition of the test patient. This test can be used to diagnose ischemic heart disease, and for patient prognosis after a heart attack.

Transesophageal ECHO :-

This is an alternative way to perform an echocardiogram. A specialized probe containing an ultrasound transducer at its tip is passed into the patient’s esophagus. This allows image and Doppler evaluation which can be recorded. Transesophageal echocardiograms are most often utilized when transthoracic images are suboptimal and when a more clear and precise image is needed for assessment. This test is performed in the presence of a cardiologist, registered nurse, and ultrasound technician.

Cardiac Catheterization and Stenting :-

Cardiac Catheterization and Stenting is a minimally invasive procedure to access the coronary circulation and blood filled chambers of the heart using a catheter. It is performed for both diagnostic and interventional (treatment) purposes. Cardiac catheterization is a visually interpreted test performed to recognize occlusion, stenosis, restenosis, thrombosis or aneurysmal enlargement of the coronary artery lumens; heart chamber size; heart muscle contraction performance; and some aspects of heart valve function. Important internal heart and lung blood pressures, not measurable from outside the body, can be accurately measured during the test.

PFO & ASD Closure :-

PFO & ASD Closure is a form of congenital heart defect that enables blood flow between the left and right atria via the interatrial septum. The interatrial septum is the tissue that divides the right and left atria. Without this septum, or if there is a defect in this septum, it is possible for blood to travel from the left side of the heart to the right side of the heart, or vice versa. This results in the mixing of arterial and venous blood, which may or may not be clinically significant.

Advance Lipid Test :-

Advanced lipid testing can identify additional risk factors of coronary heart disease that standard blood-cholesterol tests typically do not. Advanced Lipid Testing can diagnose early diabetes, insulin resistance if you have a tendency towards clotting or if you are genetically prone to having a heart attack. We analyze your blood test results in combination with your family history, lifestyle, medications and existing clinical factors.

EKG Echocardiogram :-

It is an important part of the initial evaluation of a patient who is suspected to have a heart related problem. Small sticky electrodes are applied to the patient’s chest, arms and legs. However, with some systems, the electrodes may be applied to the chest, shoulders and the sides of the lower chest, or hips. Wires are used to connect the patient to an EKG machine. You will be asked to remain very still while a nurse or technician records the EKG. The electrical activity created by the patient’s heart is processed by the EKG machine and then printed on a special graph paper. This is then interpreted by your physician. It takes a few minutes to apply the EKG electrodes, and one minute to make the actual recording.

Echocardiography :-

An echocardiogram is a fairly common test that allows doctors to use sound waves to see the inside of one’s heart and see how it’s beating and pumping blood. This procedure can help identify various abnormalities in the heart muscle and valves. A doctor may suggest an echocardiogram if he or she suspects problems with the valves or chambers of the heart or the heart’s ability to pump. An echocardiogram can also be used to detect congenital heart defects in unborn babies.

Echocardiogram :-

Echocardiogram is a sonogram of the heart. Also known as a cardiac ultrasound, it uses standard ultrasound techniques to image two-dimensional slices of the heart.

Stress Echo :-

The stress echo test is done with heart stimulation, either by exercise on a treadmill with the patient connected to an electrocardiogram. People who cannot use their legs may exercise with a bicycle-like crank that you can turn with your arms. The level of mechanical stress is progressively increased by adjusting the difficulty (steepness of the slope) and speed. The test administrator or attending physician examines the symptoms and blood pressure response.

Holter-Event Monitor:-

A cardiac event monitor is a device used to monitor patients with transient cardiac symptoms.

Tilt Table :-

A tilt table test, occasionally called upright tilt testing is a medical procedure often used to diagnose dysautonomia or syncope. Patients with symptoms of dizziness or lightheadedness, with or without a loss of consciousness, suspected to be associated with a drop in blood pressure. The procedure tests for causes of syncope by attempting to cause syncope by having the patient lie flat on a special table or bed while connected to ECG and blood pressure monitors. The table then creates a change in posture from lying to standing.

External Counterpulsation Therapy :-

Enhanced External counterpulsation therapy is a procedure performed on individuals with angina or heart failure or cardiomyopathy in order to diminish their symptoms ischemia, improve functional capacity and quality of life. In various studies, EECP has been shown to relieve angina, and decrease the degree of ischemia in a cardiac stress test.

Peripheral Angiography and Stenting :-

Angiography is also commonly performed to identify vessel narrowing in patients with leg claudicating or cramps, caused by reduced blood flow down the legs and to the feet; in patients with renal stenosis and can be used in the head to find and repair stroke.

Carotid Stenting :-

Carotid artery stenting is an endovascular, catheter-based procedure which unblocks narrowing of the carotid artery lumen to prevent a stroke. Carotid artery stenosis can present with no symptoms or with symptoms such as transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) or cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs, strokes).

Carotid Ultrasound :-

Carotid Ultrasound is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique to reveal structural details of the carotid arteries, so as to look for blood clots, atherosclerotic plaque buildup, and other blood flow problems.

Cardiac MRI/Coronary CTA :-

Cardiac MRI/Coronary CTA – Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging is a medical imaging technology for the non-invasive assessment of the function and structure of the cardiovascular system. It is derived from and based on the same basic principles as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) but with optimization for use in the cardiovascular system.

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In order to properly diagnosis an illness, an individual must undergo a series of tests. Some medical tests are simply a physical examination. Other tests require elaborate equipment used by medical technologists or the use of a sterile operating environment.
Specifically, a diagnostic test is a kind of medical test performed to aid in the diagnosis or detection of a disease.
For example, diagnostic tests can:

• Diagnose diseases
• measure the progress or recovery from disease
• confirm that a person is free from disease

In the case of cardiologists, diagnostic tests are critical in detecting and monitoring illnesses of the heart and surrounding tissues.
For example, following are a few of the more common cardiology diagnostic tests:

Diagnostic tests are a safe way to look inside the heart and determine not only the ailment, but possibly the safest and most effective treatment option. Cardiologists rely on diagnostic testing to monitor a disease and watch its progression or improvement.

If preventative measures weren’t enough to keep you from falling victim to a heart or blood vessel disorder, in best case scenarios, diagnostic testing can quite possibly catch the ailment in an early stage where treatment is non-invasive and rapid.

If you fear you may suffer from a heart disorder, see your cardiologist immediately to gain an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.

logon to www.advancedcardiodr.com and know more about the dignostic tests provided by Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center.

Pulmonary stenosis is narrowing of the valve between the right ventricle or lower chamber, of the heart on its way to the lungs (pulmonary artery) or both. As pulmonary stenosis becomes more severe, the thickness of the right ventricle increases and produces right ventricular hypertrophy. Pulmonary Stenosis is a congenital (present at birth) defect that occurs due to abnormal development of the fetal heart during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Supravalvar Pulmonary Stenosis: The portion of the pulmonary artery just above the pulmonary valve is narrowed.

Subvalvar (Infundibular) Pulmonary Stenosis: The muscle under the valve area is thickened, narrowing the outflow tract from the right ventricle.

Branch Peripheral Pulmonic Stenosis: The right or left pulmonary artery is narrowed, or both may be narrowed

Causes:

Physicians do not know the exact cause of pulmonary valve stenosis. The valve in the fetus may fail to develop properly during pregnancy. The disease also may have a genetic component. The condition also may accompany additional congenital heart defects. Your physician will often recommend performing additional tests to ensure your heart is healthy. Adults also can experience the condition due to a complication from an illness that affects the heart. These include rheumatic fever or carcinoid tumors in the digestive system.

Signs and Symptoms:

Pulmonary valve stenosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the extent of the obstruction. People with mild pulmonary stenosis usually don’t have symptoms. Those with more significant stenosis often first notice symptoms while exercising. Pulmonary valve stenosis signs and symptoms may include:

Fatigue

Chest pain

Heart murmur

Shortness of breath

Loss of consciousness (fainting)

Shortness of breath, especially during exertion

Testing and Diagnosis:

In rare cases, newborns have life-threatening pulmonary stenosis, which requires immediate medical attention. Diagnosis of pulmonary stenosis may require some or all of these tests:

Chest X-ray

Cardiac MRI

Pulse oximetry

Echocardiogram

Cardiac catheterization

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Treatment:

Sometimes, treatment may not be needed if the disorder is mild. When there are also other heart defects, medicines may be used to help blood flow through the heart (prostaglandins), to help the heart beat stronger, to Prevent clots and to remove excess fluid. Prognosis without treatment is generally good and improves with appropriate intervention.

Treatment is balloon valvuloplasty, indicated for symptomatic patients and asymptomatic patients with normal systolic function and a peak gradient > 40 to 50 mm Hg. Percutaneous valve replacement may be offered at highly selected congenital heart centers, especially for younger patients or those with multiple previous procedures, in order to reduce the number of open heart procedures.

When surgical replacement is necessary, bioprosthetic valves are preferred due to the high rates of thrombosis of right-sided mechanical heart valves. This procedure is done through an artery in the groin. The doctor sends a flexible tube (catheter) with a balloon attached to the end up to the heart. Special X-rays are used to help guide the catheter. The balloon stretches the opening of the valve.

If you have pulmonary stenosis or another heart problem, prompt evaluation and treatment can help reduce risk of complications. Seek counsel from our renowned Best Cardiologists in Houston for the best treatment of Pulmonary Stenosis.

The mitral valve sits between the left atrium and the left ventricle and helps control the flow of blood from the left atrium into the left ventricle. The mitral valve consists of two flaps called leaflets. Normally, the leaflets open and shut in coordinated fashion to allow blood to flow in one direction from the atrium to the ventricle.

Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) is the most common valvular abnormality, affecting approximately 2-6% of the population in the United States.

Causes of Mitral Valve Prolapse:

Mitral valve prolapse occurs when the valve between your heart’s left upper chamber (left atrium) and the left lower chamber (left ventricle) doesn’t close properly. Another name for Mitral Valve Prolapse is Click-Murmur Syndrome.

MVP usually has a benign course, but it occasionally leads to serious complications, including clinically significant mitral regurgitation, infection of endocarditis, sudden cardiac death, and cerebrovascular ischemic events. MVP often occurs in people who have no other heart problems, and the condition may be inherited.

Signs and Symptoms of Mitral Valve Prolapse:

Anxiety

Dizziness

Chest discomfort

Easily tired (fatigue)

Shortness of breath

Bursts of rapid heartbeat (palpitations)

Symptoms do not always relate to how serious your MVP is. You may have frequent symptoms, yet diagnostic tests may show your valve leak is not significant. These symptoms may cause you to worry, but they are not dangerous or life threatening, and, may not require treatment at all.

Exams and Tests of Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP):

The doctor will perform a physical exam and use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs. The doctor may feel a thrill (vibration) over the heart, and hear a heart murmur (“midsystolic click”). The murmur gets longer and louder when you stand up. Blood pressure is most often normal.

The following tests used to diagnose mitral valve prolapse or a leaky mitral valve:

Chest x-ray

MRI of the heart

CT scan of the chest

Echocardiogram, ECG

Cardiac catheterization

Mitral valve prolapse can develop in any person at any age. Serious symptoms of mitral valve prolapse tend to occur most often in men older than 50.

Treatment of Mitral Valve Prolapse:

Most people who have mitral valve prolapse (MVP) don’t need treatment because they don’t have symptoms and complications. Even people who do have symptoms may not need treatment. The presence of symptoms doesn’t always mean that the backflow of blood through the valve is significant. People who have MVP and troublesome mitral valve backflow may be treated with medicines, surgery, or both.

Surgery: Surgery is done only if the mitral valve is very abnormal and blood is flowing back into the atrium. The main goal of surgery is to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of heart failure.

Surgical Approaches: Traditionally, heart surgeons repair or replace a mitral valve by making an incision (cut) in the breastbone and exposing the heart.

Valve Repair and Valve Replacement: In mitral valve surgery, the valve is repaired or replaced. Valve repair is preferred when possible. Repair is less likely than replacement to weaken the heart. Repair also lowers the risk of infection and decreases the need for lifelong use of blood-thinning medicines. If repair isn’t an option, the valve can be replaced. Mechanical and biological valves are used as replacement valves.

Seek counsel from our Cardiology Doctors in Houston if you suspect you are suffering from Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP) for the best treatment options for you.

Cardiovascular disease is the main source of death in men and women in the United States and a main source of grown-up handicap. Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center is a full-service cardiology group of Houston Cardiologists having expertise in electrophysiology (EP), interventional cardiology, peripheral vascular disease, nuclear cardiology, echocardiography, heart surgery clearance and clinical cardiology. ACCC is the best heart clinic in Houston offering complete cardiopulmonary examinations at one place.

Our heart specialists give a full range of customized, open heart care including prevention, diagnosis, rehabilitation and clinical examination working nearly with clinical nurse specialists, exercise physiologists and confirmed cardiovascular experts in a patient-engaged, compassionate group way to deal with heart care.

Our cardiology specialists are focused on preventing heart issues before they get to be life threatening. With driving edge innovation, advanced treatment systems and an emphasis on patient instruction, our doctors endeavour to give the most comprehensive yet cost-aversion and treatment conceivable.

Our doctors are profoundly prepared in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and related issues. We are board certified and gathering of best cardiologists in Houston.

The doctors and staff at Cardiac Care Center in Houston are specializing practical experience in treating diseases that influence the heart, vascular framework and significant veins. We start with a complete cardiovascular discussion with a full supplement of analytic testing.

ACCC’s heart specialist in Houston concentrate on conveying the most elevated standard of customized cardiovascular care and gives high-quality, family-focused care to the patients to deal with all types of complex congenital or acquired heart disease from finding through treatment, including any required invasive or non-invasive strategies. We offer a full scope of in-office services, with extended hours, cutting edge imaging facilities, and complete hospital services.

We take pride in treating you with empathy, courtesy and respect, and thank you for your trust and trust being taken care of by your health. We accept most insurance plans, if you have questions about your plan, please call us on +1281-866-7701. We will effort to see that your visit is helpful, informative and cost effective helping your family lead a healthier life.

Arteries are blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart and other parts of your body.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque develops inside your arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and different substances found in the blood. Ultimately, plaque hardens and narrows your arteries. This restricts the flow of oxygen-rich blood to your organs and different parts of your body.

Types of Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis happens when fat, cholesterol, and calcium harden in your arteries. Atherosclerosis can happen in an artery anywhere in your body, including your heart, legs, and kidneys. Disease types include:

Kidney disease

Carotid artery disease

Coronary artery disease

Peripheral artery disease

Symptoms of Atherosclerosis:

Atherosclerosis develops gradually. Mild atherosclerosis typically doesn’t have any symptoms. Atherosclerosis symptoms observed when an artery is stops sufficient blood to your organs and tissues. In some cases a blood clot totally blocks blood flow, or even breaks separated and can trigger a heart attack or stroke. Symptoms of moderate to extreme atherosclerosis rely on upon which arteries are influenced.

Causes for Atherosclerosis:

The reasons for atherosclerosis are complicated and still not totally caught on. Atherosclerosis is thought to begin when the internal lining of the artery gets to be harmed. The blood vessel wall responds to this injury by storing greasy substances, cholesterol, calcium and different substances on the internal lining of the artery. This plaque development progressively limits the blood vessels, making it harder for blood to flow.

Plaque can also break separated and cause a blood clot to frame on the broken surface or travel through the bloodstream, and prevent smooth blood flow to close-by organs. The resulting blood clot can also go to different parts of your body and blocks blood flow to different organs.

Risk Factors Include:

Factors incorporate tobacco use, large amounts of cholesterol in the blood, hypertension, diabetes, corpulence, physical inactivity, and diet. Dietary factors include low daily consumption of fruits and vegetables and other than moderate alcohol consumption. Risk factors that can’t be altered incorporate having a family history of right on time atherosclerosis.

Treatment of Atherosclerosis:

Treatment includes changing your present way of life to one that confines the measure of fat and cholesterol you expend. Sometimes, surgery might be fundamental if symptoms are particularly serious, or if muscle or skin tissue are imperiled. Possible surgeries for treating atherosclerosis include:

Angioplasty

Atherectomy

Bypass surgery

Endarterectomy

Thrombolytic treatment

Atherosclerosis can lead to serious problems, including heart attack, stroke, or even death. Seek counsel from our Best Cardiologists in Houston if you suspect you are suffering from Atherosclerosis for the best treatment alternatives for you. Approach: +1 281-866-7701. Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center…!

Myocardial Infarction is the technical name for a heart attack; it is the interruption of blood supply to part of the heart, causing few heart muscle cells to die. It is most commonly due to occlusion of a coronary artery following the rupture of a vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque, which is an unstable collection of lipids and white blood cells in the wall of an artery.

The term “Myocardial Infarction” focuses on the myocardium (the heart muscle) and the changes that occur in it due to the sudden deprivation of circulating blood. The main change is necrosis (death) of myocardial tissue. The word “infarction” comes from the Latin “infarcire” meaning “to plug up or cram.” It refers to the clogging of the artery.

Signs and Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction:

The most common symptom of a heart attack in both men and women is some type of pain, pressure or discomfort in the chest. But it’s not always severe or even the most prominent symptom, particularly in women. Women are more likely than men to have signs and symptoms unrelated to chest pain, such as:

Sweating

Feeling of doom

Nausea, vomiting

Irregular heartbeat

Shortness of breath

Dizziness, weakness

Pain that spreads to your back, left arm, jaw, neck

Squeezing pain, heaviness, tightness, pressure in center of chest

Symptoms Experienced by Women may Include:

Clammy skin

Unusual fatigue

Heartburn or pain in the abdomen

Causes of Myocardial Infarction:

The most common cause of blocked arteries is atherosclerosis. No one knows the exact cause of atherosclerosis. But most researchers believe it begins with an injury to the innermost layer of the artery, known as the endothelium. The following factors are thought to contribute to the damage:

Smoking

Diabetes

Inflammation

High blood pressure

Elevated LDL (“bad”) cholesterol

Risk Factors of Myocardial Infarction:

Age, Stress, Smoking, Diabetes

Gender (men are at higher risk than women)

High-fat diet, Lack of exercise, High blood pressure

High LDL “bad” cholesterol and triglycerides (fats in the blood)

Diagnosis of Myocardial Infarction:

Stress test

Blood tests

Chest x-ray

Echocardiogram

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Coronary Catheterization or Angiogram

Treatment of Myocardial Infarction:

The goal when treating a heart attack is to restore blood flow to the affected area of the heart immediately, to preserve as much heart muscle and heart function as possible. If your doctor has prescribed nitroglycerin, take it while you are waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive. Once at the hospital, your doctor may use drug therapy, angioplasty, and surgery.

Once you have been treated for a heart attack, making changes in your lifestyle, and taking medications as prescribed are very important for avoiding recurrent heart attacks and even death. Although certain herbal remedies as well as relaxation techniques may also be used, they should never be used alone to treat a heart attack. A heart attack always requires emergency medical attention.

Look for advice from our Best Cardiologists in Houston if you are suffering from Myocardial Infarction for the best treatment options for you. Call on +1 281-866-7701. Advanced Cardiovascular Care Center…!